Like a phoenix out of the ashes, the Jasper Park Cycling Association is reborn.
After its annual general meeting last month, the association, which dwindled down to 20 members in 2014, elected a rejuvenated board of 11 enthusiastic cyclists who are determined to breathe new life into the not for profit group.
The JPCA was formed in 2012 in response to Parks Canada’s plan to close large areas of the park to mountain biking. That year, 130 memberships were sold and the JPCA was a strong voice for cyclists in the community.
Since then, however, numbers have dropped because the cycling community has faced little adversity.
“That’s not very good,” said Matt Staneland, chair of the JPCA, “because we need to still be here and be a voice for mountain bikers—that way when something does happen again, we’re proactive rather than reactive.”
Manu Loir-Mongazon, the board’s new vice-chair, echoed that sentiment, noting that if the association has 200 members, it has a voice, but if it has 20, Parks could brush it off.
“If we’re 20, Parks is going to say, ‘sorry guys, there’s 20 of you, you can ride Trail 7 and Trail 2, that’s plenty enough.’”
Since the organization’s AGM, the JPCA has sold about 30 memberships. Staneland said he would like to see that number grow. To make that happen, the association is working to increase its profile through monthly events, trail maintenance nights and new JPCA swag.
Its first event is being held June 24.
It’s called a Clunker Ride. The association is asking everyone, whether they’re an experienced rider or not, to dig out their old bikes—town, mountain or road—and take part in a short spin down to the River Trail Restaurant where there will be games and food.
“It’s kind of a show and shine for old bikes,” explained Staneland, noting it’s only a short ride to Jasper House Bungalows.
“And once we’re there we’re going to play games and have food and some drinks and a fire and then bike back.
“You don’t have to be a road biker, a mountain biker, or even a serious biker, if you want to come out and have fun, you’re welcome to join.”
There’s a discounted rate for JPCA members and memberships will also be on sale during the event.
As well as maintaining trails and getting cyclists out for fun gatherings, the association is also working on a proposal for a bike park that it hopes to build on the west end of town—on Connaught Drive across from the Mount Robson Inn.
Staneland said he’s nearly completed a management plan and the next step is to submit it to council.
Mimicking the structure of the Hinton Bike Park, the association hopes the municipality will assume the park’s ownership and liability, while the association takes care of its maintenance.
Nicole Veerman
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